Last summer, Link Miller drowned on dry land in the woods, miles away from the nearest body of water. His death was ruled a strange accident, and in the months since, his friends and family have struggled to make sense of it. But Link's close friend Noemi Amato knows the truth: Link drowned in an impossible lake that only she can find. And what's more, someone claiming to be Link has been contacting her, warning Noemi to stay out of the forest.
As these secrets become too heavy for Noemi to shoulder on her own, she turns to Jonas, her new housemate, and Amberlyn, Link's younger sister. All three are trying to find their place—and together, they start to unravel the truth: about themselves, about the world, and about what happened to Link.
Unfolding over a year and told through multiple POVs and a dream journal, We Were Restless Things explores the ways society shapes our reality, how we can learn to love ourselves and others, and the incredible power of our own desires.
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Rating: 3 Stars
My Review: "We Were Restless Things" by Cole Nagamatsu is a haunting and atmospheric novel that explores themes of grief, guilt, and the supernatural. The story follows the aftermath of Tristan's death and the mysterious events that unfold in its wake, as his friends struggle to come to terms with their loss and the secrets that surround it.
Nagamatsu's writing is evocative and atmospheric, creating a sense of unease and tension that permeates the narrative. The novel's exploration of grief and trauma is poignant and heartfelt, offering moments of raw emotion and vulnerability. The supernatural elements, including ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomena, add an intriguing layer of mystery to the story.
However, while the novel's premise is intriguing, the execution can be uneven at times. The pacing is slow in parts, with the plot taking its time to unfold and reveal its secrets. Some readers may find the narrative structure confusing, as the story jumps between different timelines and perspectives without always providing clarity or coherence.
The characters, while well-drawn, could also have been more fully developed. Tristan's friends, in particular, feel somewhat one-dimensional, with their personalities and motivations remaining elusive throughout much of the novel. The romantic subplot, while touching, feels underdeveloped and lacks the depth needed to truly resonate.
Despite these shortcomings, "We Were Restless Things" is a compelling read that will appeal to fans of atmospheric and character-driven fiction. Cole Nagamatsu's exploration of grief and the supernatural is both thought-provoking and unsettling, leaving a lingering sense of unease long after the final page. While it may not fully deliver on its potential, it's a promising debut that showcases Nagamatsu's talent as a storyteller.
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